Liz Dawn: "Bill was part of my family. When you work with someone for so long, as we did, it becomes more than just work.

"Our families were close and I am devastated for [wife] Ali and his family. I am totally bereft. He will always be remembered by everyone he came into contact with because he was such a kind and generous man. You couldn't wish to meet a more lovely man and a true gentleman. He was a gentle giant and I will miss him so much."

Alan Halsall: "He was very close to me... I worked with him here for many years. He was a wonderful man. On-screen, people knew him as Jack and loved him as Jack, and, you know, the people who knew him off-screen loved him just as much as Bill. I loved him as his character but as a man I love him a lot more."

Michael Le Vell: "Bill met my Dad briefly when I first joined Coronation Street. And when my Dad passed away Bill became like a surrogate Dad to me. He and Liz looked after me and got me through those early days and we've been friends ever since. My heart goes out to Ali and his family. We knew Bill was poorly, but this is still a very great shock. I am going to miss him very much."

Jane Danson: "Bill was one of the loveliest men you could ever wish to meet. He was the first to come over on my first day at work. It was quite daunting meeting icons like Bill and Liz but they made me feel very welcome and at home. Everyone felt as if they knew Bill because he had such a warmth about him on and off screen."

Nigel Pivaro: "I am devastated to learn of the passing of someone who became a huge part of both my professional and personal life, who I came to look on as a second father."

Paul O'Grady: "Ah, poor old Bill, he was a smashing fella and together with Liz Dawn created one of the most tragi-comic double acts in television history with Jack and Vera Duckworth. He was also a great singer. RIP Bill."

Denise Welch: "I am so sorry to hear of the sad death of Bill Tarmey, like many people I grew up laughing and crying at the wonderful on screen relationship of Jack and Vera Duckworth.

"I was therefore so honoured to find myself working alongside Bill when I joined the cast of Coronation Street. He was a wonderful actor and a wonderful man and will be sadly missed by everyone whose lives he touched."

Charlie Condou: "I am devastated to hear that the wonderful Bill Tarmey has died. He was a beautiful, funny and lovely man, and he will be missed by us all."

William Roache: "Over the years Coronation Street has produced characters who are really powerful and legendary - Jack Duckworth was one of those... this was down to Bill Tarmey's incredible skills as an actor."

Tina O'Brien: "So sad to hear Bill Tarmey has died, he was such a lovely gentleman, I loved spending time in his company sending all my love to his family."

Andrew Lancel: "Much love to the family of the lovely and legendary Bill Tarmey. A funny man and gent . RIP Bill."

Antony Cotton: "Goodnight Bill Tarmey. You were the best. We'll miss you so much x."